Switching to Solar Panel Roofs, Kimberly-Clark Softex Committed to Accelerate Renewable Energy In Indonesia

Jakarta, 1 April 2021 – In commemoration of Earth Day 2021, Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) officially inaugurated its switch to 1,548 photovoltaic panels mounted on their Sidoarjo plant’s roof. This installation is able to generate 630 kWp of clean energy, or with the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption is equal to planting 10,381 trees for 10 years. This project illustrates Kimberly-Clark Softex’s commitment towards sustainable development and resource-efficient business practices.

The world has been adopting renewable energy at a rapid rate, including in Indonesia. As a commitment to the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), the Government of Indonesia has set ambitious renewable energy targets – to increase renewables mix to 23% by 2025 and 31% by 2050. The private sector, including Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) is helping the country to meet this target by gradually transitioning its energy sources into renewable ones, such as solar panels. These initiatives will set an example for other companies to invest in more sustainable energy to make Indonesia a greener and friendlier place to live in.

In line with the Government’s renewable energy targets, Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) supports Gerakan Nasional Sejuta Surya Atap, a movement that aims to expedite the installation of solar powered electricity generation, and whose declaration was co-signed and officiated by the Indonesian government.

“In Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia), we foresee the importance of implementing social, good governance and especially environment best practices into our operating model. Switching on this solar roof marks a new milestone in our sustainability journey and accelerates our progress to support the national energy policy in achieving up to 23% renewable energy by 2025. The installation will now replace 887.922 kWh of conventional energy use at the plant every year, reducing Carbon Dioxide (CO2) production by approximately 829,319 kg per year. Through the solar panel activation, our sustainability effort has successfully contributed towards 13 UN SDGs' goal, being one step closer to combat climate change.” stated Hendra Setiawan, President Director of Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia).

In its efforts to move further towards sustainable development, Kimberly-Clark Softex has collaborated with a local startup in renewable energy, Xurya Daya, to build a solar installation in the Sidoarjo plant. The installation in Sidoarjo started in October 2020 and began to operate on 29 January 2021. The Sidoarjo plant produced one of the nation’s leading personal care brands, namely Softex®’s pantyliners, Sweety®’s baby diapers, and Softies®’s mask.

“We are pleased to work with Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) in their efforts to expand the use of renewable energy. As a local renewable energy start-up, pioneering in zero-down method, we have worked with over 20 companies in Indonesia, in the effort to support sustainable business operations and preserving the environment. The zero-down method that we offer will help companies to start using renewable energy.” said Eka Himawan, Managing Director of Xurya Daya.

Through continued investments in climate and energy programs at its operations in Indonesia, Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) has embarked on a long-term effort to minimize climate change impact from its operations. This effort is recognized by Planet Mark™ where recently Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) has received its certification for 4 consecutive years. Apart from that, Kimberly-Clark Softex (PT Softex Indonesia) also earned Indonesia Green Award 2020 for Best Program in Integrated Waste Management, and Silver Winner of Asia’s Best Sustainability Report by Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019.